T20 World Cup 2026: Max O’Dowd targeted with abusive comments after costly catch drop vs Pakistan

Netherlands cricketer Max O’Dowd found himself in the spotlight after dropping a crucial catch during the opening match of the T20 World Cup 2026 against Pakistan on February 7 at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. Pakistan went on to win the contest by three wickets in a dramatic last-over finish.

The turning point came in the penultimate over of the chase, with Pakistan requiring 29 runs off 12 balls. Logan van Beek was handed the ball, and on the second delivery to Faheem Ashraf, he bowled a slower full toss outside off stump. Ashraf mistimed the shot, sending the ball high towards long-on. O’Dowd got under it and managed to get both hands to the ball, but it slipped out of his grasp and fell to the ground after brushing his hands and head.

The missed opportunity proved costly, as Ashraf capitalised on the reprieve and finished the game in style. Pakistan sealed the win with three balls to spare, securing two valuable points in their opening fixture. Following the match, O’Dowd was subjected to abusive comments on social media, particularly on his Instagram post, with fans pointing fingers at the dropped catch.

Earlier in the match, Pakistan won the toss and elected to bowl first. The Netherlands were bowled out for 147 in 19.5 overs, with skipper Scott Edwards top-scoring with 37 off 29 balls, including three fours and a six. For Pakistan, Salman Mirza led the bowling attack with figures of 3/24, while Mohammad Nawaz, Saim Ayub, and Abrar Ahmed picked up two wickets apiece.

In reply, Pakistan chased down the target by scoring 148/7 in 19.3 overs. Sahibzada Farhan anchored the innings with 47 runs, hitting four boundaries and two sixes. However, it was Faheem Ashraf who stole the show with a blistering unbeaten knock of 29 off just 11 balls, smashing two fours and three sixes at a staggering strike rate of 263.64. For the Netherlands, Aryan Dutt and Paul van Meekeren claimed two wickets each.

The Netherlands will next face Namibia on February 10 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, while Pakistan are set to take on the United States of America on the same day in Colombo.